Objective. To obtain information about dermatological problems suffered by food industry workers, relation between these problems and relevant risk factors, identify the level of occupational education.
Methods. A survey with anonymous questionnaire was performed in 2013/2014 amongst 12 food industry companies running in Vilnius, Lithuania. 800 surveys were distributed in total, 44% (n=353) were completed and returned. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.17.0 software, data considered significant as p<0.05.
Results. The majority of 353 respondents were women (78.5%, n=277), the mean age was 30±10.96 years, the mean time of work experience - 6±6.79 years. 89.5% (n=316) of interviewed employees work in restaurants. 65.7% (n=232) responders wash hands > 10 times per day, though more than a half (61.2%, n=216) do not have the necessary knowledge about a negative wet work impact to their skin. Skin protection measures (protective gloves and moisturizing creams) are used by 32% (n=113) of workers. 57.8% (n=204) of employees had no training on skin care, however, 62.7% (n=128) of them expressed such interest. Dermatological complaints were indicated by 24.1% (n=85) individuals. Most common complaints were skin dryness (19.5%, n=69), pruritus (7.9%, n=28), redness (11.9%, n=42). Hands were the most commonly affected body site (18.4%, n=65). Combination of classic symptoms of contact dermatitis was expressed by 5.7% (n=20) respondents. Skin problems usually started to arise in 6 months time from the start of employment. Of all the 85 respondents with skin complaints, 85.9% (n=73) noted that skin condition improves during weekends or vacation. Skin problems have influence on quality of work and life to almost a quarter (34.1%, n=29) of respondents. Only 43.5% (n=37) of employees were seeking for dermatological help.
Conclusions. Skin problems usually started to arise in 6 months time from the start of employment. A lack of knowledge on risk factors for skin and skin care in general was identified amongst food industry workers. Thus, additional education and instructions on these issues would be of great use and benefit.
